Northern Football League boss on minimum games needed in 2020 and playing on past September
All local footy fans are wondering when their beloved sport will be back after the coronavirus pandemic. Now, an experienced administrator and league boss has shared how it can return and if playing on past September is possible.
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Northern Football League chief executive Peter McDougall says a nine-game home-and-away season would be the minimum for football to return in 2020.
A push into summer would be off the table but the experienced administrator believes a deal could be struck with local cricket competitions to play into October.
In line with AFL Victoria recommendations, local football has been postponed until at least May 31.
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A July 4 restart date would ensure a shortened season was completed by the originally scheduled September grand final.
McDougall acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic but was still working to ensure a shortened season was possible.
“It’s a waiting game for everybody, at league level, club level, players, parents, coaches, umpires, everyone’s in the same boat,” he said.
“Half a season is probably the minimum, I don’t know that there’d be much interest in less than that.
“This is an opportunity to try a few different things rather than just the same old same old.
“Juniors have players rostered off each week, so do we look at having an unlimited bench for the season, so that every kid can play every week?
“It’s about giving players as many games as possible. The coaches might be pulling their hair out but at the end of the day it’s good for the kids.”
The separation of football and cricket seasons is mandated by the Victorian government.
AFL Victoria and Cricket Victoria are in negotiations in the hope of lengthening the football season for 2020.
McDougall said he’d be willing to start later in 2021 to ensure cricket was then able to complete its full season.
“It’s out of our jurisdiction that one … (but) if the opportunity did present itself – and I don’t like speaking in hypotheticals – we’d definitely want to look at (lengthening the season).
“Nothing’s off the table, it’s just a matter of making it work subject to other restraints, such as the end of October being the start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – so you can’t play then.
“I’d be open to compromising, if it was me I’d be open to offer the first few weeks in April to cricket so they can finish their season.
“We can start in late April and still get a full season in with no worries and I think that demonstrates a willingness to work together.”
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